Thibodaux basketball player heading to Clarendon College

Thursday

After a historic senior season, Thibodaux High boys basketball star Kobi Johnson is ready for the next chapter of his life.

Johnson, a standout point guard who helped lead the Tigers to their first ever state championship in basketball this year, signed to continue his career at Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas.

Johnson said it was a blessing to sign with Clarendon, which is coached by Isaac Fontentot-Amedee, who is a Baton Rouge native and former Nicholls State University student. The Bulldogs had a 19-12 overall record last season.

"It feels great," Johnson said. "Not a lot of people get the chance to play college basketball. I’m very blessed to say that I’m one of them that will be able to play."

Johnson closed out his successful high school career with many accolades this year, including being name the Most Outstanding Player of the Class 5A state championship game during a win over Walker High School. He was also the Most Valuable Player on The Courier/Daily Comet’s Best of Bayou Preps All-Star basketball team, and he earned first-team honors on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State team.

He served as floor general for the Tigers, averaging 11 points per game, 8.1 assists per game and five rebounds per game. He was voted as the Defensive MVP of the District 7-5A team.

Thibodaux head basketball coach Tony Clark said Johnson deserves the chance to continue his career in college.

"It’s great that he gets a chance to continue his education and play ball too," Clark said. "That’s what most athletes dream they want to do. Seeing how far he has come from the time when he was a freshman until the young man that he is now. It’s been awesome for him."

Johnson said he had interest from other small colleges, but Clarendon was the first to send him an offer and stick with him throughout the entire recruiting process. He expects to play mostly point guard in college.

"I liked the surrounding and the area," Johnson said. "I have a good relationship with the coach (Fontenot-Amedee) even though I haven’t known him for long. I think I’m going to fit in good. I’m good at adapting to things."

Johnson said many colleges overlooked him due to his height at 5-foot-9, but he is ready to prove them all wrong. After two years at Clarendon, he wants to move on to a larger four-year college.

"I have a very big chip on my shoulder and I’m going to do my thing out there for sure," Johnson said. "The goal is to get a championship. I got one here (at Thibodaux). I’m going to get one there (at Clarendon) too. "I’m going to try my best to do what I need to do."

Clark said Johnson is everything that a coach wants in a player due to his hard work, determination, speed and play making ability. During the Class 5A state championship game, Johnson held Walker’s Jalen Cook, who averaged 28.8 points per game, to 19 points.

"He’s going to be fine," Clark said. "It seems like he’s going over there with a chip on his shoulder. He has a feeling that he was disrespected all along and I think he still has that feeling. It’s just going to make him stronger."

Johnson will also get to team up with Assumption High standout Marlon Robinson, who has signed with Clarendon on May 9.

"It’s going to be good to be able to go play out there so far away with someone who is from home too," Johnson said. "We’ve made a connection. I’ve been knowing him since I was a little boy so we’re good."

Johnson also received the LHSAA’s 2019 Horizon Award for Thibodaux before the Class 5A state championship game, which was presented to a student-athlete from each school in the championship games. The award recognizes players who display outstanding citizenship, leadership, academic excellence and involvement in the school and community.

Although Johnson is known for his basketball skills, Clark said his leadership abilities stand out the most.

"He’s as good of a leader as I’ve ever had since I’ve been doing this," Clark said. I think that’s what sets him apart. It’s going to be hard to replace him, but we’re going to try our best. We wish him the best. He’s representing Thibodaux and we just want him to be successful in whatever he does."

Johnson said he has enjoyed every moment of his days at Thibodaux. He took time to thank everyone who has helped him along the way, including his parents Corey Johnson Sr. and Brenetta Williams.

"It’s been real special. The championship was special to do it with my brothers. I love all of them too," Johnson said. "I want to thank my parents and my family. They have been my support system. I also thank all my coaches throughout all my years of playing basketball since I was a little boy. The people I played with too. They all helped me succeed."

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